Today marks the 75th anniversary of Australian peacekeepers and peacemakers, commemorating the nation's involvement in peacekeeping operations throughout the world.
A community service and plaque unveiling was recently held at the War Nurses Memorial Park, Takalvan Street, honouring local peacekeepers past and present.
According to the Department of Veterans' Affairs, Australians have served in peacekeeping roles every year since 1947.
“The first Australian peacekeepers were deployed to the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia),” the department states.
“Their intense experience of observing the front between Netherlander troops and Indonesian republicans foreshadowed the experiences of generations of Australians to come.
“We commemorate the contribution made in the service of peace by Australian defence personnel, police and civilians.”
Bundaberg District Women's Veterans Association member and Gin Gin resident Sharon Barsby was involved in one peacekeeping mission to Rwanda, Africa in 1995.
She said she travelled over as part of her 14-year role in the Australian Army.
“I went over to Rwanda to provide logistical support to our troops, I was there for six months,” Sharon said.
“It was a good opportunity, I got to support people in need and work with people form right around the world.
“I was part of a contingent of 100 medical staff, 100 infantry and about 100 logistical staff.”
In July this year the community came together with the Bundaberg District Women's Veterans Association to commemorate the peacekeeping efforts of people like Sharon.
The special plaque unveiling marked 75 years of Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers.
Vice President Angela Hillis Csc said it was a special event that coincided with a number of other milestones.
“We unveiled a special plaque on Wednesday 17 July which tied in with our reunion of 55 years since our association was established in the region,” she said.
“The plaque commemorates when Australia entered into peacekeeping and humanitarian aide.
“It was placed at the War Nurses Memorial Park as a fitting tribute to the number of people in the medical field who were, and are, involved in peacekeeping operations.”
The community commemorative service also marked the 60th anniversary of the first Australian troop’s deployment to Vietnam.
Local dignitaries and community groups laid wreaths in respect during the moving service.
Seriously – what sort of hypocrisy is this when Council is demolishing the Pool that would have celebrated its 100th. anniversary in 11 months time